Security tagging

Identiv, Inc. announced the launch of its frictionless, battery-less uTrust UHF Credentials that work with identification applications that require long-distance reading. Ultra high-frequency (UHF) technology is ideal for parking lot access and gate control, door entry in hospitals or gated communities, logistics, object and people tracking in emergency situations, real-time locationing, cafeteria access, and any hands-free environment, including medical or care facilities, club and resort membership, sport facilities, and universities. Long-read applications The credentials can be read through badge holders, handbags, pockets, and backpacks, supporting touch-free, highly hygienic physical access control. “For today’s most critical pandemic-era environments, Identiv is focused on providing solutions that support the safest, most hygienic physical access control,” said Stephane Ardiley, Director, Product Management. “Our new uTrust UHF Credentials harness ultra high-frequency technology for long-read applications - meaning your access card never has to leave your pocket as you enter gates, buildings, or controlled areas in schools, hospitals, or other hands-free locations. Beyond access control, uTrust UHF Credentials can be utilized in emergency situations or in the medical field for real-time people and object tracking.” Radio frequency identification cards uTrust UHF Credentials can keep track of people to increase personal safety and facility security Identiv’s uTrust UHF Credentials provide multiple options for durable, interoperable radio frequency identification (RFID) cards. UHF technology (operating in the 860 - 960 MHz frequency range) delivers outstanding performance for long-distance, multiple, reliable readings of credentials, including cards and tags. Leveraging the short wavelength of UHF technology, they are the ideal solution for reading people or items from a significant distance (i.e., more than 18 – 21 feet). uTrust UHF Credentials can keep track of people to increase personal safety and facility security, capture guest/visitor data, and can support 125 KHz low frequency (LF) and/or 13.56 MHz high frequency (HF) interfaces. The credentials are EPC Class-1 Generation-2, ISO/IEC 18000-63:2013, and RAIN UHF RFID-compliant and are compatible with a huge selection of second-generation UHF readers available on the market today, including handheld, stationary, or desktop readers. Time and attendance Offered in regular credit card plastic format (CR80) for corporate or government personnel, uTrust UHF Credentials are available in two models: ISO PVC UHF LF Card and ISO PVC UHF DESFire EV2 2K Card. Identiv’s cohesive collection of touchless solutions are focused on reopening public venues and workplaces as safely as possible. Identiv’s portfolio of credentials, ID cards, and smart cards are available in a variety of form factors for physical and logical access control, converged access solutions for building and computer access, transit payment, brand protection, time and attendance, cashless vending, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Solutions are available as single-technology, multi-technology, or credentials with a contact chip.

IDEX Biometrics ASA, a provider of advanced fingerprint identification and authentication solutions, is pleased to announce that IDEX’s fingerprint sensor and Tongxin Microelectronics’ Co., Ltd. (TMC) secure element have been included in a biometric payment card certified by China UnionPay. This is the first biometric payment card to be certified by China UnionPay. TMC is a secure element supplier in China focused on the smart card industry and is partnering with IDEX to accelerate biometric smart card adoption. This successful certification leverages the collaboration that was announced less than a year ago. High performance solution A key part of IDEX’s strategy is to partner with secure element industry pioneers such as TMC for providing solutions to all global card manufacturers. This ensures compatibility between the secure element and IDEX’s biometric solutions, and simplifies the card manufacturer’s development process. “This certification uses TMC’s most advanced secure element and we expect to see it in many biometric cards in the future. When combined with IDEX’s TrustedBio™ solution it enables a high performance solution which fully leverages the level of flexibility and integration in our next generation product to provide the lowest cost solution and industry leading performance,” said Vince Graziani, CEO of IDEX Biometrics. John Zou, Vice President at TMC added, “We are excited to start seeing the results of the collaboration with IDEX Biometrics and to take the reference design to our customers. We see IDEX as a critical partner for driving the adoption of biometric cards, especially in China and the broader Asia Pacific region. We are looking forward to continued success with their next generation solution.”

Nedap N.V. and Tag Company Ltd. have announced that they will join forces in the UK market regarding Nedap retail loss prevention solutions. This combination brings together the technical and commercial strengths of both companies. Both organizations have stated that the arrangement will take effect 1 March 2020. Nedap-Tag Company partnership This cooperation stems from the close relationship that has been established over the past few years. Tag Company will be responsible for all Nedap EAS business in the UK and will be fully supported by Nedap. The two companies already had a significant position in the market separately, the new combination has a dominant market share. Rob Schuurman, Managing Director at Nedap Retail, commented, “We highly respect the way Tag Company established itself as a trusted retail partner and are excited about this intensified cooperation”. Retail article surveillance solutions Rob adds, “We strongly believe that we will be able to provide our customers with an even better service in the UK retail market by joining forces, consolidating our market share. Together, we will be able to serve the UK market as a strong, reliable partner for retail article surveillance solutions.” The Nedap EAS solutions stand for quality and innovation, which already proved their value to British retail market" Jon Marchese, Managing Partner at Tag Company reacted, “We are extremely proud that Nedap puts this trust in us. This alliance is an important step for us and reflects our outstanding relationship”. He adds, “The Nedap EAS solutions stand for quality and innovation, which have already proven their value to the British retail market. With the cooperation between Tag Company and Nedap, we expect to further unlock the potential of these solutions.” Inventory management solution Nedap also intensifies its activities in the UK market regarding the promotion of !D Cloud – Nedap’s RFID-based inventory management platform in the apparel and fashion sector. This means that a dedicated Nedap team will fully focus on assisting retailers to adopt RFID. !D Cloud is used by fashion retailers worldwide to improve their on-shelf merchandise availability and execute a successful omni-channel strategy. Schuurman further states, “We see a lot of traction for RFID-based inventory management in the UK apparel and fashion industry and strongly believe that it is one of the markets in Europe where the RFID-adoption will explode over the next years.”

MedixSafe, a pioneer in the access control cabinet market, announces that its Key Access Ready Enclosure (KARE) key control cabinets are now available with Bluetooth format card readers. This wireless technology enables users to access their KARE cabinets using their cellphone devices as their access credential, while still offering the high level of security synonymous with MedixSafe’s solutions. Polymer swing handle lock Each key tag easily snaps open so that names and/or numbers of keys can be inserted With the latest addition of this Bluetooth technology, KARE is now available in three different technologies to achieve access – HID, Multi-Class and Bluetooth format card readers – with a key override built right into the electronic lock. The KARE reader features a Wiegand output that can be connected to any access control panel. Much more than merely a place to store keys, it gives the user control over their keys by limiting access to authorized users only and knowledge of who has accessed keys and when. The KARE key cabinets come in three sizes: (48-56 Keys) 16"H x 13.5"W x 4.5"D, (12-24 Keys) 10"H x 10"W x 4.5"D, and (192-224 Keys) 36"H x 14"W x 9"D. Each enclosure has a polymer swing handle lock and allows users to use their existing cards or phone. Access to the KARE cabinet is then controlled by the user’s existing access control database. Bluetooth-enabled Cellphone readers Included are key tag holders that can hold multiple keys or a set of keys. Each key tag easily snaps open so that names and/or numbers of keys can be inserted. When a different key is placed on the tag, a new label can easily be printed and installed. An Excel template that allows fonts and sizes to be customized is included for printing labels. "MedixSafe is dedicated to providing the very best in key control," says Jim Turner, President, MedixSafe. "Our KARE cabinets with Bluetooth-enabled cellphone readers are an ideal choice for users who prefer to use their smartphones as their cellphone access credential.”

Meesons, UK’s entry control innovator, will be unveiling its innovative EasyGate Superb at this year’s International Security Expo (ISE19), Olympia London, 3-4 December, stand K40. At 99mm the EasyGate Superb cabinets are the slimmest of any Speed Gate on the market, accentuating the sleek, minimalistic aesthetics created by the glass wings. EasyGate Superb is an ultra-slim, fully customized Speed Gate that is an ideal solution for controlling access to offices, schools, universities or government buildings. The range includes unique and innovative features, including an optional integrated card collector and QR code/ barcode reader. EasyGate Superb can be specified in colors to match a customer’s corporate identity. Its ultra-slim design has already generated significant interest and Meesons is predicting that it will continue to be a major focal point for visitors to stand K40 at ISE19. Gain independent access The EasyGate Superb is the only Speed Gate on the market with such a slim design yet featuring the ability to integrate an optional card collector with a card return function. Where required, a third-party card reader can be built into the EasyGate Superb. The QR scanner, another optional feature, will help improve the efficiency of visitor management - it will be possible for an external visitor to receive a QR code on their cellphone phone, allowing unimpeded entry to the facility on arrival without having to verify credentials. The QR code reader can also be used by delivery partners where there isn’t a permanently staffed reception. Sending the QR code in advance will mean they are able to gain independent access to specific areas of the facility. Intuitive light guidance The sensors are smart enough to detect when a person is traversing in a wheelchair, wheeling luggage or pushing a baby carriage Both the QR scanner and card collectors are an integral part of the design, meaning they don’t need to increase the cabinet width or be a bolt on like other ranges. This helps maintain sightlines of the ultra-slim cabinets, which are supplied in brushed, polished or bronzed stainless steel, any RAL color or alternative surface finishes, along with tempered glass top lids. Other optional functionality of the EasyGate Superb range includes intuitive light guidance; colored LED illumination of the top lid allows smart settings of light navigation. In addition to standard navigation functions, various lighting effects such as arrow, dots, blending colors and much more can be set. The selection of colors is fully customizable. Safety and security Jonathan Bairam, Commercial Director at Meesons A.I. Ltd, said: “We will have our new EastGate Superb in sleek white on display at ISE19 on 3-4 December. Visitors will be able to view and try this unique new product for themselves. We are expecting a lot of interest especially as its ultra-slim design and minimalistic aesthetic will appeal to specifiers and their clients in a wide range of sectors.” Safety and security are built into EasyGate Superb with 24 pairs of IR sensors that prevent people tailgating their way into a facility without presenting the correct ID or security tag. The sensors are smart enough to detect when a person is traversing in a wheelchair, wheeling luggage or pushing a baby carriage. Optional high glass wings prevent climb-over attempts by would-be intruders.

The retail industry is constantly evolving, with a fast-paced environment that requires retailers to quickly respond to changes in the market, while delivering a consistent service that inspires customer loyalty – all in a bid to maintain healthy margins and revenue in what is an increasingly competitive landscape. Helping retailers to drive efficiency and capitalize on new labeling innovations, Checkpoint Systems’ source tagging program, which celebrates more than 25 years since its inception in 1994 for the American drug store chains, Eckerd Drug Stores and Rite Aid, puts a framework for collaboration at its heart. Most popular products in-store Working with more than 45 per cent of the top-50 global retailers, Checkpoint’s program has successfully enabled more than 75,000 items to arrive in store, shelf-ready. The mutual benefits for both the retailer and manufacturer are widely known – from open merchandising and reduced out-of-stocks to the improved appearance of products on shop shelves. Both manufacturers and retailers need to anticipate the most popular products in-store and high-risk SKUs However, by introducing an on-going partnership both retailers and manufacturers can weld even more advantages across the supply chain. Moreover, as product introductions become more frequent, treating source tagging as an on-going program and not a one-off service is critical. For example, in the dynamic consumer goods market, both manufacturers and retailers need to anticipate the most popular products in-store and high-risk SKUs. Latest technological innovations A source tagging program that focuses on collaboration delivers a continuous, consistent process that helps to identify high-loss SKUs, evaluate tagging placement options in response to packaging and branding changes, and aids frequent compliance audits while delivering the most valuable brand protection possible. By partnering with a respected source tagging partner, like Checkpoint Systems, retailers can also leverage the latest technological innovations and create a clear path to RFID giving both retailers and manufacturers the competitive advantage. For example: Protecting merchandise against counterfeit items Implementing category-specific labels to protect and extend the life of merchandise, e.g. fresh foods Tracking products to reduce the impact of supply chain fraud Protecting the retailer and wider supply chain against theft Effectively assess supply chain and retail challenges Flavio Musci, EMEA Source Tagging Director, Checkpoint Systems, said: “As the market leader in Source Tagging, we understand the importance of working closely with our customers and their vendors to effectively assess supply chain and retail challenges and create a program that responds to their needs. This not only takes into consideration the design implications of label placement, but the technological innovations required to capture and relay important information to enhance traceability and critically, stock availability.” “With the biggest source-tagging team in the world, we are uniquely placed to help retailers maximize the benefits of their source tagging programs. And, speaking about the importance of collaboration, a leading European grocery retailer once said: retailers, vendors and solutions providers have to work collaboratively to achieve a successful source tagging program.”

The Hugs Infant Protection Solution tracks the location of babies and provides protection anywhere the infant may be transported Wireless tracking and radio frequency identification (RFID) continue to improve dramatically in range and reliability, allowing Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) pinpointing people, places and things with impressive accuracy. Systems integrator Advance Technology Inc. (ATI), Scarborough, Maine, recently installed a comprehensive, hospital-wide solution at the newly opened Boston Medical Center’s (BMC) Women and Infants Center to provide detection and protection for newborns throughout the facility. The web-browser based system from Stanley Healthcare called the Hugs® Infant Protection Solution is based on the AeroScout® Wi-Fi RTLS platform and MobileView® software. Rob Simopoulos, president of the security and audiovisual managed services firm, said ATI worked in tandem with the Department of Public Safety’s Luigi Martiniello, Assistant Director of Operations and Public Safety, IT Department, Stanley Healthcare, hospital personnel and other stakeholders to install the solution successfully on the hospital’s Wi-Fi network. The installation is one of the first in the New England region. “It’s a full deployment, meaning it tracks the location of babies and provides protection anywhere the infant may be transported, instead of being confined to areas limited to hardwired receivers and repeaters common to other infant protection systems,” said Simopoulos. “It was our first deployment – a highly IT-centric solution that required certification and training by our skilled technicians prior to installation.” In alarm, when an unauthorized person tries to leave the area with a protected child, magnetic doors lock down instantly and hold specified elevators Quick Access To Location Of Tagged Infants Nurses, administration and other hospital personnel have immediate access to the location status of tagged infants through PC or mobile devices via the MobileView enterprise platform, which serves as the graphical user interface (GUI) for scheduling, control, history and alerts. They can easily place tags into transport mode when an infant needs to leave the floor, but still track the location of these patients ongoing in real-time wherever they travel. Bob Gilbert, ATI’s remote technical support supervisor, said the reliability and integrity of the solution is extremely robust, with tags transmitting every 10 seconds. During installation, which was completed in a fast turnaround of several weeks, ATI used heat-mapping capability to ascertain the density of Wi-Fi access point coverage and assimilate effective distances of RF signals from the tags. The installation included two dedicated, high-availability servers for redundancy and back up. The MobileView platform is installed in the Public Safety Department’s Command and Control Center and integrates with Lenel by United Technologies OnGuard Security Management System. Other Highlights Of The Security Installation: The system integrates to all door contacts, access control readers, audible alarms and elevator controls. Exciters, which also act as access points, are installed at every entrance/exit point and work independently should they lose network connectivity, allowing the doors to still lock down in alarm. ATI worked closely with the elevator contractor to implement input controls to prevent the elevator door from opening if a tag is sensed at the door. The access control system also will not unlock if an infant tag is present on the other side of the opening, even when a valid proximity badge is presented. The solution may also be deployed for asset tracking and management, with ATI looking to incorporate that functionality in the near future In alarm, when an unauthorized person tries to leave the area with a protected child, magnetic doors lock down instantly and hold specified elevators. The system can integrate with hospital communication and information systems, strobe lights, sounders and audible devices and video surveillance cameras to capture and view images before an exit alarm occurrence. The solution may also be deployed for asset tracking and management, with ATI looking to incorporate that functionality in the near future. Real-Time Location System Improves Protection And Detection Status “Our goal is to continue to learn and embrace new technology to provide our customers the best protection and detection,” continued Simopoulos. “Providing the hospital with the ability to achieve real-time status and location of system tags beyond the mother-baby unit is critical. Nearly 20 percent of hospital abductions in the U.S. happen outside this area, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In the past, once infant tags left the range of proprietary receivers in the protected area the infant’s whereabouts became unknown.”

Interest in mass notification systems appears to be growing in the security community as a response to active shootings and workplace violence 2014/2015 Boon Edam Review and Forecast: The security industry seems very healthy and continues to experience solid growth. We have observed an increased level of corporate and government expenditures, which allows for expanding security upgrades in general. Looking ahead to 2015, I see interest in mass notification systems appears to be growing in the security community as a response to active shootings, workplace violence, etc. Workplace incidents are getting more coverage in educational sessions and the media. We are investigating how our entrances can be involved in an overall solution. We expect this interest to expand and proliferate into the next decade. When it comes to physical security entrances, customers are demanding a more consistent set of solutions from their providers and they are consolidating their suppliers. They want vendors that provide multiple parts of the whole system and offer an excellent service level on all counts. Vendors that can do this will be clear winners in the long term with large customers. If a manufacturer provides only a subset of entrance solutions; for example, turnstiles, which deter unauthorized entry or traffic control, but that vendor doesn’t also offer security doors that absolutely prevent tailgating or piggybacking, they can only satisfy certain installations or silos within large organizations.   We are fortunately able to offer different security entrance products to different silos within the same end user organization. We are thus providing multiple solutions to the various parts of their business. Boon Edam has been able to fully meet those varied needs with our breadth of product range and with our expanding sales team that can better reach the various stakeholders within these customer organizations. For 2015 and beyond, we have continued to react to and expand operations and capabilities of the organization to accommodate the unprecedented growth of revenues and numbers of customers in the last three years. We’re bullish about the continued growth of physical security entrance usage within the security industry and anticipate demand for applications such as ours will continue to grow at a rate faster than the security industry as a whole. See the full coverage of 2014/2015 Review and Forecast articles here

Border Caravan Storage, a family run business that offers storage for 170 caravans, motor homes and trailers has been operated by Keith, Alison and Helen Rogers for over 15 years. The site used an access control system to control access to the site, but there wasn’t an ideal method of tracking which units were on site, at any given time. The management team had been using a manually operated display board that was prone to error, so they decided to look for a reliable automatic method of identifying which units were on site. Airlock system with uPASS long-range reader The Border management team spoke to Paul Evans of BTT Comms (ex MMV), who suggested using Nortech’s airlock system, where vehicles have to pass through two separate electronically controlled gates to enter or exit the site. The existing drivers’ access control fobs are used alongside uPASS tags, which are placed in the side window of the caravans for detection by the uPASS long-range reader. The system has been recognized by CaSSOA, who endorse the system giving the highest level of security possible If a caravan passes through the first gate, the second gate will only open if the uPASS tag and the driver's fob are both detected and provide a valid match. The information is also relayed to a specially designed asset management system that keeps a real-time log of all units on and off the site. High level of access control security This system has been recognized by CaSSOA, the Caravan Storage Owners’ Association, who endorse the system giving the highest level of security possible, which is recognized by insurance companies, thereby reducing insurance costs for caravan owners. Benefits Simple and reliable means of monitoring the movement of caravans on and off the site. Reliable long-range tag detection avoids manual intervention and reduces running costs. Enhanced security reduces insurance costs for caravan owners. Helen Rogers of Border Caravan Storage stated, “We are very pleased with the new system which provides information in real time and we now know which caravans and owners are on site at any time giving us total peace of mind.”

Installation company Nessence recently integrated Vanderbilt’s ACT365 cloud-based access control and video management system with Mobile BankID in Sweden. Mobile BankID is a citizen identification solution that allows companies, banks, and government agencies to authenticate and conclude agreements with individuals over the internet. The integration with ACT365 comes together to solve a brief put forward by the supermarket chain, ICA Sweden. Web API for integration Tobias Olofsson, Project Sales Manager at Vanderbilt, explains that ICA Sweden is a retailer with a focus on food and health, and they wanted to be open earlier in the morning and later in the evening. “It would be too expensive to hire staff to stay open during these times in smaller locations. This is because the number of customers shopping early in the morning or late at night is minimal. But the store wants to be able to provide its customers with this value-added service,” says Olofsson. ACT365 was the perfect solution for this project due to its easy deployment, easy operation To solve this, the supermarket wanted to open unmanned and needed a solution to allow customers to enter the store in a functioning and approved manner by the insurance company. In Olofsson’s opinion, ACT365 was the perfect solution for this project due to its easy deployment, easy operation, and a smooth web API for integration. Increased accessibility and convenience “The success of this project means it is now possible for shoppers to open the supermarket’s entrance door by digitally signing into the Mobile BankID on their phone and presenting it to the ACT365 reader located on the outside of the door,” states Olofsson. Moreover, good accessibility is maintained as all customers do not need to have specific cards or tags for the access system to be able to enter the supermarket. “A new modern solution has been developed to facilitate trade for private individuals, especially in smaller towns where food stores do not tend to stay open for as long as in the big cities. This project has resulted in increased profits for the supermarket, as well as increased accessibility and convenience for its customers,” concludes Olofsson.

RCP21, a pioneering Community Interest Company (CIC), has used SmartTask to help set up and manage an in-house security operation at Langthwaite Business Park in South Kirkby, West Yorkshire. The workforce management software was adopted to coordinate a full-time team of officers, tasked with protecting 120 businesses located at the site, without the need to increase management and administrative resource within the organization. SmartTask has since enabled RCP21 to deliver a superior security service in the most reliable and efficient manner. Workforce management solution “As managing agents of Langthwaite Business Park, we had previously outsourced the security requirements, but we took the decision to bring the service in-house,” explains Nicola Parker, Operations Manager at RCP21. “We recognized the need for a proven workforce management solution that would underpin our security solution moving forward. SmartTask has given us the visibility and control needed to deliver our service and provide customers with complete peace of mind.” SmartTask is used to manage RCP21’s full-time team at Langthwaite Business Park that provides a range of security services including CCTV monitoring, mobile patrols and keyholding and alarm response. SmartTask-enabled smartphones are used to scan 32 checkpoint tags around the site, so RCP21 has full visibility of mobile patrols that take place. Submit incident reports SmartTask has proved to be a hugely useful tool that is delivering value across our security operation" The software’s SmartForm functionality also enables security officers to electronically view their daily tasks; complete vehicle safety checks; and submit incident reports. In particular, the incident reporting tool allows a security officers on patrol or responding to an alarm response to capture all essential information, including any photo evidence, via a smartphone. This means RCP21 has an electronic record of any incident in real-time, so it can take immediate and appropriate action as well as share relevant details to the customer. Monthly performance reports can be taken from SmartTask, while incident data is included within the business park’s newsletter to provide information in relation to crimes and incidents on the park. Mobile workforce management  “SmartTask has proved to be a hugely useful tool that is delivering value across our security operation. The software is simple and easy to use by all staff involved and is effective in enabling us to monitor and deliver our security services to a very high standard,” concludes Parker. Paul Ridden, CEO of SmartTask: “Our cloud-based employee scheduling and mobile workforce management software is highly configurable and scalable, making it an ideal solution for any security operation. Whether you are a top 30 security company or a small in-house team, it is possible to take advantage of SmartTask’s user-friendly, feature-rich functionality to better plan, manage, deliver and report on your security services.”

Marassi harbors, known as upcoming gateway to Egypt, is a community with a picturesque surrounding overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean Sea along the Alamein coastline. At this community one will find lavish residences that includes chalets, apartments, townhouses, villas, large marinas and signature hotels creating a lifestyle of sheer pleasure and luxury vacation destination. Secured access points to such an extravagant, lavish community is fundamental as the community is occupied by highly influential people, including high-ranking Egypt government officials. Streamlined access Until recently, manual security checks of vehicles and people were carried out at the community access to comply with the security requirements. As manual security checks were not only time consuming, but also resulted in queuing, the need for a secure and convenient access experience arose. Deluxe communities, like Marassi, strive for an automated frictionless, streamlined vehicle and people access process. Identifying tenant vehicles To automate vehicle access at the gates, Nedap’s UHF RFID uPass Reach readers, with a read range up to 5 meters, are implemented. Combined with Nedap’s UHF windshield-mounted tags, these readers are used for automatic vehicle access. The UHF tags are issued to registered tenant vehicles and when the vehicle comes within the read-range, the tag is identified and granted access. The UHF windshield tag is battery-free and maintenance-free, making it the most effective solution provide secure and seamless vehicle access. E-gate entry to residents Marassi residents manage their digital access card through the community app developed by EMAAR. Digital access cards are used as identifiers and are stored in user’s smartphones. Nedap’s multi-technology reader makes use of smartphones to identify people utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and NearField Communication (NFC) technologies. The solution has provided Marassi tenants with easy and secure access to the community and beach. Residents manage visitor access Visitor access to the community and beach is further simplified by enabling the residents to generate guest requests through the app. Besides supporting BLE and NFC technology, Nedap’s multi-technology reader includes a QR reader that enables scanning QR-codes displayed on a smartphone. Residents can share the QR code with guests. The guest presents the QR-code to the reader and access to the property is granted frictionless. Implementation of such an integrated solution has provided a high level of convenience to all users at Marassi. The reliable solution has also reduced the congestion at the entry gate, securing the flow of vehicles and reducing the waiting period for guests.

Installation company Nessence recently integrated Vanderbilt’s ACT365 cloud-based access control and video management system with Mobile BankID in Sweden. This is a citizen identification solution that allows companies, banks, and government agencies to authenticate and conclude agreements with individuals over the internet. This integration comes together to solve a brief put forward by the supermarket chain, ICA Sweden. Tobias Olofsson, Project Sales Manager at Vanderbilt, explains that ICA Sweden is a retailer with a focus on food and health, and they wanted to be open earlier in the morning and later in the evening. “It would be too expensive to hire staff to stay open during these times in smaller locations. This is because the number of customers shopping early in the morning or late at night is minimal. But the store wants to be able to provide its customers with this value-added service,” says Olofsson. Unmanned solution To solve this, the supermarket wanted to open unmanned and needed a solution to allow customers to enter the store in a functioning and approved manner by the insurance company. In Olofsson’s opinion, ACT365 was the perfect solution for this project due to its easy deployment, easy operation, and a smooth web API for integration. “The success of this project means it is now possible for shoppers to open the supermarket’s entrance door by digitally signing into the Mobile BankID on their phone and presenting it to the ACT365 reader located on the outside of the door,” states Olofsson. Supermarket access system Moreover, good accessibility is maintained as all customers do not need to have specific cards or tags for the access system to be able to enter the supermarket. “A new modern solution has been developed to facilitate trade for private individuals, especially in smaller towns where food stores do not tend to stay open for as long as in the big cities. This project has resulted in increased profits for the supermarket, as well as increased accessibility and convenience for its customers,” concludes Olofsson.

Nedap, globally renowned provider of RFID-based retail solutions, has announced that Samsøe & Samsøe, one of Denmark’s fastest growing fashion retailers, has selected Nedap’s state-of-the-art RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) platform, !D Cloud, as a foundation for their RFID solution implementation. Known as an international brand rooted in Scandinavian simplicity and aesthetics, Samsøe & Samsøe is positioning itself to take RFID beyond the brick and mortar store walls in order to develop a future-proof omni-channel strategy. !D Cloud RFID solution Nedap’s !D Cloud enables Samsøe & Samsøe to achieve real-time view on stock levels and their precise location within the store, closing the gap between e-commerce and physical shopping. The application of RFID raises stock accuracy to a minimum level of 98% resulting in improved product availability and increased sales. “One of our strongest brand values is simplicity,” said Tommy Nimand, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Samsøe & Samsøe, adding “This is reflected in the design of the collections and is also a major aspect in our shopping experience”. He further stated, “Our goal is to achieve full stock visibility through RFID, whether it is in our warehouse or in stores. Solving the out-of-stock challenge unlocks full omni-channel potential and creates the ultimate customer experience across all boundaries in retail. We want our customers to be able to shop everywhere and return anywhere, whether an item is purchased in Copenhagen or in London.” Virtual Shielding This smart allocation technology solves the problem of reading RFID tags through walls The newest feature within Nedap’s !D Cloud platform, Virtual Shielding (patent pending), benefits  Samsøe & Samsøe by allowing store staff to easily read RFID tags by using RFID handheld devices and automatically determine the exact location within a store of RFID tags in an accurate way. This smart allocation technology solves the problem of reading RFID tags through walls and eliminates the need for physical shielding by equipping stock rooms with aluminum foil or RFID blocking paints. This feature saves retailers and retail stores both time as well as money. Guaranteed stock availability Samsøe & Samsøe’s newly opened flagship store in Copenhagen is designed according to a minimalistic store concept. “In order to ensure the store’s clean look, the number of displayed items is limited to two pieces per style.” said Nimand. He adds, “Nedap’s Virtual Shielding functionality determines which items are located on the store floor and which items are kept in the stock room. This ensures a clean store ambiance, the best customer experience, and ensures we don’t lose a sale due to stock inaccuracy.” Cloud-based RFID technology Using cloud-based RFID as their ‘common language’, enables us to align suppliers of such as labels, ERP & POS systems" “We are delighted to work with Samsøe & Samsøe because they are committed to an innovative omni-channel strategy that serves their customers,” said Elles te Boome-Harbers, Global Sales Business Developer at Nedap Retail. “Using cloud-based RFID as their ‘common language’, enables us to align involved suppliers of such as labels, ERP and POS systems. This ensures the ability to track individual items throughout the entire supply chain.” explains Elles te Boome-Harbers. “ Elles further stated, “We are looking forward to further aligning their internal processes to meet customers’ future needs and demands, safeguarding true omni-channel retailing.” RFID-based Electronic Article Surveillance In addition to RFID for stock management, Samsøe & Samsøe store entrances are equipped with Nedap iD Top RFID-based overhead EAS systems. This ensures safety and high levels of security while maintaining open store entrances. All Samsøe & Samsøe items are RFID tagged at the source of production. This means that no additional loss prevention is needed, as stock is already 100% security tagged. This eliminates additional in-store tagging costs.

Along with the integration of security and other systems in an enterprise environment comes a need to centralize monitoring and control of the unified network. A control room is at the center of managing integrated systems, providing the focal point to collect information from a variety of sensors, analyze the data, and then respond appropriately. The technologies that drive these functions are changing and evolving, thus increasing the efficiency and efficacy of systems. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new in command-and-control systems, and what is the impact?